Gonyosoma oxycephalum

Vertical arboreal terrarium, well ventilated

Minimum dimensions for an adult; larger is always preferable (150 x 60 x 150 cm is ideal). Provide numerous sturdy horizontal and diagonal branches, dense foliage (real or artificial) for security, and at least one elevated hiding spot. Good cross-ventilation is essential to avoid stagnant air while maintaining humidity.

High humidity is mandatory. Mist once or twice a day and/or use a misting system, but always combine it with good ventilation: a humid, confined terrarium promotes respiratory infections and scale rot. Let the humidity drop slightly between two mistings.

Choose a substrate that retains moisture without moulding thanks to ventilation. A bioactive setup (isopods, springtails) helps manage waste and humidity. Avoid dusty or overly dry substrates.

Beneficial for this diurnal species: low to moderate UVB (T5 tube 5-6%, Ferguson zone 1 to 2), positioned so as to create a gradient. Not strictly essential if the diet and calcium/D3 supplementation are adequate, but recommended for well-being and the expression of natural behaviours.

A large bowl of clean water refreshed regularly, plus misting: the snake often drinks the droplets on the foliage and décor. Keep the water hygienic to limit skin and mouth infections.

Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, the Philippines). Lowland and hill tropical rainforests, where it occupies mainly the canopy and shrub layers.

Carnivore — Rodents (mice, young rats), chicks and birds; a visual hunter.

Feed mainly appropriately sized rodents (prey ≈ body diameter), every 1 to 2 weeks depending on age. In the wild it eats birds, bats and rodents; wild-caught specimens often prefer birds and may require baiting (rubbing with a chick/feather) to accept rodents. Avoid overfeeding, which is common in this active species.

Clutch 5–12 eggs/young. A clutch of 5 to 12 large eggs, sometimes several clutches per year. Incubation of about 55 to 70 days at 27-28 °C in a moist substrate. Provide a humid nesting box. Breeding is more reliable with captive-bred specimens that are well acclimatised and stress-free.

• Respiratory infections (insufficient ventilation, temperatures too low, or stagnant air)
• Internal and external parasites, very common in imported wild-caught specimens
• Chronic stress and food refusal (handling, lack of hiding spots/height)
• Poor sheds (dysecdysis) linked to unsuitable humidity
• Stomatitis (mouth rot) and scale rot in an overly humid, confined environment